Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a strong political message to the people of Assam on Sunday, urging them to elect a government that will decisively act to drive out infiltrators from the state. Addressing a public rally in Lakhimpur, Shah framed the upcoming elections as a critical choice between security and uncertainty.
A Call to Protect Assam's Identity
Shah asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the only force capable of securing Assam's borders and safeguarding its unique cultural identity. He accused opposition parties, particularly the Congress, of historically protecting infiltrators for vote-bank politics. The Home Minister emphasized that the BJP-led government at the Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken concrete steps like sealing the border with Bangladesh and implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address this long-standing issue.
He connected the presence of infiltrators directly to threats against the state's language, culture, and land rights. Shah's speech aimed to resonate with local sentiments by positioning the BJP as the guardian of Assamese interests against illegal immigration.
Contrasting BJP's Record with Congress Era
The senior BJP leader drew a sharp contrast between the current administration and previous governments. He reminded the audience of the past violence and instability, claiming that peace has largely prevailed in Assam and the broader Northeast under the Modi government's watch. Shah credited the BJP's double-engine government—with the same party in power at the Centre and the state—for accelerating development projects and improving law and order.
He also vigorously defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a contentious topic in the region. Shah stated that the CAA is designed to provide citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim minorities from neighboring countries and will not affect the rights of Indian citizens. He framed it as a humanitarian gesture, separate from the process of identifying and deporting illegal infiltrators.
Electoral Battle for Assam's Future
The rally in Lakhimpur is a key part of the BJP's campaign strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Assam sends 14 members to the lower house of Parliament. Shah's direct appeal to voters on the sensitive issue of infiltration indicates that national security and cultural preservation will be central themes in the BJP's pitch for the region.
By invoking the NRC and border security achievements, Shah sought to reinforce the BJP's commitment to resolving the complex demographic challenges of Assam. The message was clear: a vote for the BJP is a vote for a government that will continue its firm stance against illegal immigration, while a vote for the opposition risks reversing the progress made.
As the election season heats up, such rallies set the tone for a high-stakes political contest in the Northeast, where local issues often intertwine with national policies. The BJP is banking on its record and Shah's strong rhetoric to convince the electorate of its vision for a secure and prosperous Assam.
